Understanding the Hidden Costs of Commission-Based Referrals for Senior Living Providers

In the competitive landscape of senior living sales and marketing, a cost often remains obscured: the financial implications of commission-based referrals, commonly known as referral agency leads or third-party leads. 

While these leads might seem like a convenient solution to occupancy challenges, they come with hidden costs that can significantly erode a community’s profitability. This article delves deep into the financial ramifications of relying on these leads, emphasizing the importance of understanding their true cost and the value of alternative senior living marketing strategies.

The Allure of Quick Leads

The immediate appeal of third-party leads is hard to resist for many senior living providers. These agencies often promise rapid results, presenting a seemingly abundant stream of potential residents. However, while tempting, the initial influx of leads can mask long-term financial implications that harm a community’s bottom line. 

The Financial Impact of Third-Party Leads

Avoiding High Commissions in Senior Living

Referral agency leads for senior communities can be quite expensive. Referral agencies typically charge hefty commissions based on the first month’s rent or a percentage of the annual contract. Senior Living Foresight says these commissions can range from 50% to 100% of the first month’s rent. 

Over time, these fees can accumulate, especially if a significant portion of residents come from these agencies. This means a consistent outflow of potential revenue for senior communities, which could have been reinvested into the community for improvements, market staff training, or other beneficial endeavors.

Bidding Wars Among Senior Living Providers

Relying on third-party leads could mean that your prospective residents are entertaining offers from multiple senior living providers. This competition can increase the cost per acquisition as providers might feel pressured to offer discounts or incentives to stand out, further eroding profit margins.

Playing Broken Telephone

Relying on third-party referral sites can bewilder prospective residents and their families. In a 2022 roundtable discussion at the Aging Media Network CONTINUUM conference, senior housing CEOs revealed that these referral sites frequently confound and overwhelm potential residents who struggle to access fundamental information about senior living communities. The referral agency websites are often the first results a prospect sees in their online search.

Senior Residents May Have Shorter Stays

Careful observations suggest that senior residents acquired through referral agencies may have shorter stays, potentially resulting in a higher resident turnover rate. This, in turn, could lead to increased marketing costs to fill vacancies and potential disruptions in community dynamics.

Indirect Commission-Based Referral Costs

Beyond the direct financial implications, there are indirect costs associated with commission-based referrals. 

These include potential misalignment between the resident’s needs and the community’s offerings, leading to dissatisfaction and early departures. 

Over-reliance on third-party leads can also result in a reactive marketing strategy, where providers constantly try to fill vacancies rather than proactively build their brand and community reputation. 

Reactive marketing in senior living can include any of the following:

• Inconsistent senior living community branding and messaging, which confuses prospects
• Short-term focus missing longer-term opportunities or trends
• Higher costs investing in short-term solutions or last-minute advertising
• Erosion of trust if the approach is constantly shifting
• Lack of data or measurement of data as efforts are inconsistent and disjointed

The Shift to Direct Marketing for Senior Living Providers

Given the hidden costs of commission-based referrals, a strategic shift towards direct marketing can offer senior living providers more control over their sales process and financial outcomes.

So, what are the benefits of direct leads for senior living providers?

Direct marketing efforts, such as SEO, PPC, and community outreach, can attract higher-quality leads, foster genuine relationships with potential residents and their families, and ultimately lead to longer resident stays and increased community loyalty.

Wrap-Up

While commission-based referrals or third-party leads might offer a quick solution to senior living occupancy challenges, the direct and indirect hidden costs can impact a community’s financial health. 

Understanding these costs and strategically shifting towards direct marketing efforts can contribute to sustainable growth for senior communities, financial stability, and a thriving community environment.

If you’re ready to explore a more successful sales strategy, get in touch with our leading specialist marketing team focussed on senior living sales success.